The subject is photos.

Every year I make a photo book for my husband, titled “Our Year in Pictures.” It takes me a long time (perfectionist that I am), because I peruse through the entire year of (mostly) unedited albums in my iPhoto gallery (see my resolution #7 in my January 3rd, New Year, New Resolve post). But the resulting book is always a treasure, and I enjoy the process of re-living my memories. The collection of books is on my short list of, “stuff I’ll grab when I’m forced to evacuate because a massive brush fire is consuming most of southern California” (an imminent threat as a result of our bone-dry, unseasonably warm winter. Midwesterners, please, please send us your melted snow!)

The cover of a recent issue of Time magazine called to me while I was waiting at the vet’s office recently: “Photo of the Year.” Magnificent images from the professionals. How on earth do they choose?

For that matter, how would I choose my best photo of the year? Hmmmm . . .

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So . . . how do I ever choose among so many favorites?

So much to consider: the lighting, framing, colors, composition . . . but it’s capturing the “moment” – illuminating the “essence” that, in the end, defines my favorite photographs. . . and here is my favorite of 2013:

This photo, capturing a beautiful young Vietnamese girl – with her shy little sister peeking from behind – is my personal “Photo of the Year.”

I’m curious – which one would YOU have picked? Please share your comments in the box below … and feel free to share YOUR photo of the year on the WOW Facebook page!

Thanks!!!

8 Comments

Angel Tinnirello January 17, 2014 at 8:26am

Love the view from the Sonoma Valley. As for Cheese Puff lad & the two beauties from Viet Nam…gorgeous! I would happily drop myself into any of these scenes.

julie franz January 17, 2014 at 8:41am

I immediately thought of the one with Scott in the bed in Rome before I saw any of your choices. Of course, with all the incredible photos you take, I would NEVER be able to choose just one favorite!

Jane Halsey January 17, 2014 at 9:39am

I love the one of the shadow kiss reflected on the doors of Provence, as it has layers both visually and metaphorically. MM you are a really good photographer.

Donna January 17, 2014 at 3:23pm

I too enjoy all of your photos Marilyn, but there is something special about taking an everyday chore like “doing laundry” & making it art!

Marcie Malloy January 17, 2014 at 5:03pm

Love the little girls! I would have been the one peaking from behind my big sister!

Scott January 17, 2014 at 5:27pm

Who’s the sexy guy in bed oblivious to the fine art? My favorite.

Jack Daly January 18, 2014 at 11:59am

I’m all about the croc…extreme anything is my cup of tea!

Joyce Walters January 26, 2014 at 3:22pm

I agree…the photo you chose deserved to be “photo of the year”!!! You know Marilyn, you could easily have a second career in photography!!!!!

Thank you for sharing with us.
Joyce

Angel Tinnirello January 17, 2014 at 8:26am

Love the view from the Sonoma Valley. As for Cheese Puff lad & the two beauties from Viet Nam…gorgeous! I would happily drop myself into any of these scenes.
julie franz January 17, 2014 at 8:41am

I immediately thought of the one with Scott in the bed in Rome before I saw any of your choices. Of course, with all the incredible photos you take, I would NEVER be able to choose just one favorite!
Jane Halsey January 17, 2014 at 9:39am

I love the one of the shadow kiss reflected on the doors of Provence, as it has layers both visually and metaphorically. MM you are a really good photographer.
Donna January 17, 2014 at 3:23pm

I too enjoy all of your photos Marilyn, but there is something special about taking an everyday chore like “doing laundry” & making it art!
Marcie Malloy January 17, 2014 at 5:03pm

Love the little girls! I would have been the one peaking from behind my big sister!
Scott January 17, 2014 at 5:27pm

Who’s the sexy guy in bed oblivious to the fine art? My favorite.
Jack Daly January 18, 2014 at 11:59am

I’m all about the croc…extreme anything is my cup of tea!
Joyce Walters January 26, 2014 at 3:22pm

I agree…the photo you chose deserved to be “photo of the year”!!! You know Marilyn, you could easily have a second career in photography!!!!!

Thank you for sharing with us.
Joyce